Start date

Submission date

Yong Zhi Foo

Thesis

Summary

Why do we find certain individuals more attractive than others? From an evolutionary perspective, we would find certain individuals attractive in part because these individuals are healthier, and mating with these individuals can enhance our reproductive success and our offspring’s health. However, we do not know what exactly are the physical traits that signal good health. Neither do we know what are the aspects of health that are being signalled. My research will cross disciplines between psychology and biology to examine the relationship between two facial traits - sexual dimorphism and skin colour - and different aspects of health such as immune function and oxidative stress.

Why my research is important

My research will provide a better understanding of the links between attractiveness and health, offering us greater insight into the workings of human mate selection.